22 November 2000

Immediate Release 2000

News Story - Pre Picnic Day
Contact: Zaki Orbell, zakiya@voyager.co.nz

Motutapu Island, Hauraki Gulf, Auckland New Zealand, International Volunteers Picnic Day December 10th

The popular Picnic Day is being reinstated on Motutapu island. This year the Auckland City Council and the Motutapu Restoration Trust plan to host a Picnic Day on December 10th at Home Bay. Home Bay is the original site of many successful gala days held early last century.

This year's Picnic is to celebrate International Volunteers Day which falls on December 5th. Many volunteers are expected to be there, with more friends and families invited to arrive by private boats. Alison Henry of Motutapu Restoration Trust says the day will have plenty of family fun including games organized by the Auckland City Council Events team. There will also be a Hangi (A Maori cooking oven) organized by Ngai Tai Ki Tamaki iwi (Tribe).

If you are interested in joining in, Alison says bring your own picnic and plenty of drink. Also remember sunscreen, warm clothes and walking shoes and any outdoor games. Motutapu island has long been in the shadow of its younger celebrity neighbor Rangitoto island. Alison says she hopes that the picnic day will help reintroduce Aucklanders to the cultural and historical worth Motutapu island has to offer.

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